In reply to J1234:
I did Mont Ventoux 15 months ago. I flew to Marseille and cycled up to Sault the next day, up through the Gorges de la Nesque (which is a stunning ride in itself). I set off up MV after breakfast, after taking the panniers off. It was a gruelling 3 hrs, from Sault. The bit up to Chateau Reynard is steady but long. long.
Then, you round the corner and the bleak summit cone stands in front of you and it's obvious that the gradient has got steeper. And then the wind catches you, its 10 degrees colder than when you set off. Those last few k form a stiff test and its a relief when you realise that you're passing the Tom Simpson memorial. You can pay your respects and get a cheeky rest, a bit like a good knee-bar on grit!
The top soon comes and you want to stay longer but its cold. Man, that wind!
The ride down's a breeze, 25-35 mph all the way, speed varying according to windchill and oncoming bends.
I had a crepe in Sault, by way of a celebratory lunch but it didn't do the trick. I did 50 miles to Sisteron that afternoon and the gentle 400m climb up into the next valley was too much. I had to have a rest every 30 mins.
Doing the Gorges and M Ventoux in 24 hrs was an absolutely two days out.
And the most mad thing? Watching with astonishment on the way down, as i realised a guy was ascending MV, repleat with two big panniers. Barking...